TS Forks
Magura has a new line of forks for the 2013 season, with a plethora of sizes, models and travel options. The TS (Team Suspension) series will include their first ever 29er, with travel options of 80, 100 and 120mm, a 650B with 120 and 150mm, and 26er with 80, 100, 120 and 150mm. There are a slew of versions for the forks with multiple features, including the entry level TS6, and the higher-end TS8 SL and TS8 R. The TS6 uses heavier internal parts and isn’t as machined as the TS8, and replaces many of the aluminum portions with steel, and although the changes decrease the cost and increases the weight, the performance remains the same as their more expensive brethren.

The TS forks have been developed based on their SLE concept (Stiffer, Lighter, Easier), which means optimum stiffness at the lowest possible weight, extremely low maintenance, and an easy setup. Much of the fork’s stiffness comes from their unique DAD or Double Arch Design and 32mm stanchions, which provides torsional rigidity and a low rate of twist, for exceptional steering and handling, with minimal flex. The forks are easier to maintain since it uses modular internal parts, such as a separate compression or rebound circuit, and the design is fairly basic for simplified service. It uses an elastomer negative spring, which has excellent durability since it’s in a closed system and doesn’t interact with any oil and grease. Lastly, the ease of use is accomplished with a lack of compression options, only giving adjustments for air and rebound.

Magura utilizes their Fork Master Concept (FMC) on the TS line, so they can manufacture forks with a sensitive response. They accomplish this with full surface bushings that have a larger area for less wear, durable, tight and low stiction seals, and the ultra smooth stanchions with very little roughness, and they all work in concert with their new Fork Master Grease (FMG). The switch to grease instead of oil, and its inherent thickness, mean less leakage past the seals, no cavitation and less stiction, since a minute amount adheres to the pores of the stanchions.

They have three different compression damping options depending on the model chosen, either the DLO or Dynamic Lock Out, which has a blow-off for added traction and comfort, the Albert SL, which has a fixed compression, or the Albert Select, which has a platform compression damping with a tunable threshold. Outside of minute changes of the compression damping, you have air and rebound adjustments, and there is a decal with the appropriate air pressure for your body weight on one leg.

650B and 26er Forks
Like a lot of suspension companies, Magura has jumped on the 650B bandwagon, and it comes in a 120 and 150mm TS8 R versions, with their DAD arch (Double Arch Design), a Maxle Lite QR15 axle, 7″ PM brake mounts, and 1 1/8″ or tapered steerer. Sometime later in the year, they’ll release 80mm and 100mm versions for the 650B. The 26 comes in a slew of options, covering the gamut of the TS6 to the TS8 models, with 80, 100, 120 and 150mm of travel, their DAD arch (Double Arch Design), 6″ or 7″ PM brake mounts, and a QR15 (120 and 150mm only) or 9mm axle, and 1 1/8″ or tapered steerer (varies on model). The 26 and 650B use the same lowers, which is basically the remnants of the 2012 Thor. If a tire fits within the 650B fork DAD, then it won’t bump against the crown and can be safely used, and Magura will be releasing a list of compatible tires for cross referencing. The bottom of each fork leg has a protective cap (one is the red rebound knob), which allows the fork to rest on the ground without any damage when the front wheel has been removed.

Brian likes to push the limits in all the sports he obsesses in, whether it's mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, skiing, or sport climbing. He takes those same strengths and a good dose of insanity to his reviewing and writing on mountain biking products, creating technical, in-depth articles. Whenever he's not on the bike, he might be found watching MotoGP racing, otherwise look for him out on the trail.

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Purchased the MT2 about 6 weeks ago. About 20 rides on them and no complaints at all, just praise for their performance. Best brakes ever in the price range. Better stopping power than Avid or Hayes, I mean a lot better. Put them on myself and had a little trouble with the black plastic olives that came with the sets, so I re-used the brass ones that were on the stock-length hoses. Worked great. No fading on long descents yet. Highly recommend them to anyone who needs to upgrade their brakes.